1[intransitive]to vary between two particular amounts, sizes, etc., including others between themrange from A to Bto range in size/length/price from A to BAccommodation ranges from tourist class to luxury hotels.range between A and BEstimates of the damage range between $1 million and $5 million.

2[intransitive]to include a variety of different things in addition to those mentionedrange from A to BShe has had a number of different jobs, ranging from chef to swimming instructor.+ adv./prep.The conversation ranged widely (= covered a lot of different topics).see alsowide-ranging

arrange

3[transitive,usually passive]range somebody/something/yourself + adv./prep.(formal)to arrange people or things in a particular position or orderThe delegates ranged themselves around the table.Spectators were ranged along the whole route of the procession.

move around

4[intransitive,transitive]to move around an area+ adv./prep.He ranges far and wide in search of inspiration for his paintings.range somethingHer eyes ranged the room.

Word OriginMiddle English (in the sense ‘line of people or animals’): from Old Frenchrange

‘row, rank’

, from rangier

‘put in order’

, from rang

‘rank’

. Early usage also included the notion of ‘movement over an area’.Extra examplesHer lecture ranged over a number of topics.Her scores ranged from 23% up as high as 88%.The disease ranges widely in severity.The opinions they expressed ranged right across the political spectrum.The town’s population ranged between 15 and 20 000.Their ages range up to 84.an array of lilies, ranging through yellow to purpleprices ranging from about $10 to $500Bees love apple blossom and will range far and wide to find it.Estimates of the damage range between $1 million and $5 million.The conversation ranged widely.They ranged over the entire Pacific in their ocean-going boats.Voles and lemmings range widely across the central and southern tundra.Wild horses used to range freely around the plains.Phrasal Verbsrange over somethingrange somebody with somebody